Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Can't Shake The Via Dolorosa
For some reason, tonight I just can't shake the Via Dolorosa. It holds me captive. I am humbled beyond words, yet words are my escape. So, she writes. Humanity has been redeemed by a single walk down the most sacred of roads. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the soldiers holding back the pressing crowds. Imagine a "dead man walking", beaten and bleeding, wearing a crown of thorns upon his head, carrying his own method of execution. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the crowds chanting and cheering for his death. Imagine the loneliness he must have felt. Imagine the despair his mother felt. Imagine the heavy weight of humanity. Imagine the split flesh on his back. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the cross. Imagine the nails that pierced his human flesh. Imagine that this single walk held all of humanity (even those who cried out and cheered for his execution) on his wounded shoulders. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine the long walk all the way to Calvary. Imagine how near God was to Him. Imagine if anyone else felt his presence. Imagine a human sacrificial lamb. Imagine the cleansing blood. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. Imagine that he chose to walk this road alone, for me and you. Imagine the amazing grace of his love. Imagine the Via Dolorosa. I am in awe of the Via Dolorosa.
A Plausible Conjecture For How The Text Might Read: Part Deux
Would somebody please throw me a bone. Has it really come to this? Is this actually happening in America? This is telling to say the very least.
Wolf Blitzer is wondering if congress has the responsibility to read the bills sent to congress, or simply do as the president wishes. (CNN online poll) Where do I even begin. Is it not the duty of every single person who has had the honor to be chosen by the people, to represent the people, with facts under their belts. Have the minds of U.S. citizens become so vacuous, that they essentially wish for a monarchy? Instead of "hail to the chief", should we really be singing "god save the king"? Is this not precisely the reason that Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams, instituted a balance of power when drafting the outlines in order to form a more perfect union? Is the United States of America bound to become Obamanation?
Is everyone so blinded with feelings of good will and racial equality, that we no longer have to think for ourselves? I know we no longer have to take care of ourselves, (thank you, DFL) but apparently the great messiah is now going to take care of the thinking part; not only for our citizens, but also our congress leaders. Has the public become so complacent that this is even an issue? What happened to the public outcry? We certainly heard it during the Bush administration. Water boarding is torture. GITMO must close. The Patriot Act is essentially a free pass for racial profiling.
How about a little civil unrest. Stimulus packages that won't stimulate anything for the next few years, but we should hurry up and pass it any way. Or, our new leader may face the prospect of losing re-election. Return all detainees (terrorists) to the country of their origin, so that they can once again take up arms against those fighting for basic human rights. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The fairness act is a fair way to manipulate the airways. Limiting one sided political convictions to be more accepting to the current public policy. I could go on for days with more examples.
It has been said that ignorance is our most expensive commodity. If this is the case, than complacency, is surely next in line. Elected officials should not have to be told they must read the bills they are voting for or against. It is their duty. Those who do not understand this, do not deserve to hold the positions they are serving. This administration pumps more fear through my veins than anything has prior, including Islamic extremism. Most certainly because he seems to have a free reign, and virtually no opposition. Even the conservatives in congress are reluctant to question President Obama and his public policies.
His first television interview (on an Arab network) was very telling on his foreign policy regarding terror. If nothing else, the members of congress should delve into his proposals on Islamic policy with strong speculation. I am sure that there is a plausible conjecture for how the text may read, but what exactly is it. Does anyone even know, including those holding prestigious cabinet positions in his administration? Members elected to congress should, at the very least, be able to pontificate upon the legislature that crosses their desks. It is their job to be a watchdog. It is not only important, it is vital. We have a very inexperienced man holding the highest office in the land. Just as you would not leave a child unattended with a set of Ginsu knives, he can not be left alone to run our government. The three branches of government are a gift. Please use them.
Checks and balances are the very reason that this little experiment called democracy has been a success. Acquiescing to the president would put these very ideals in peril. I don't agree with the president on most issues. But, I have to believe that he believes in a balance of power. After all, it is these very checks and balances that afforded him the honor to the office of the presidency. Me, I'd rather be water boarding.
Wolf Blitzer is wondering if congress has the responsibility to read the bills sent to congress, or simply do as the president wishes. (CNN online poll) Where do I even begin. Is it not the duty of every single person who has had the honor to be chosen by the people, to represent the people, with facts under their belts. Have the minds of U.S. citizens become so vacuous, that they essentially wish for a monarchy? Instead of "hail to the chief", should we really be singing "god save the king"? Is this not precisely the reason that Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and John Adams, instituted a balance of power when drafting the outlines in order to form a more perfect union? Is the United States of America bound to become Obamanation?
Is everyone so blinded with feelings of good will and racial equality, that we no longer have to think for ourselves? I know we no longer have to take care of ourselves, (thank you, DFL) but apparently the great messiah is now going to take care of the thinking part; not only for our citizens, but also our congress leaders. Has the public become so complacent that this is even an issue? What happened to the public outcry? We certainly heard it during the Bush administration. Water boarding is torture. GITMO must close. The Patriot Act is essentially a free pass for racial profiling.
How about a little civil unrest. Stimulus packages that won't stimulate anything for the next few years, but we should hurry up and pass it any way. Or, our new leader may face the prospect of losing re-election. Return all detainees (terrorists) to the country of their origin, so that they can once again take up arms against those fighting for basic human rights. The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The fairness act is a fair way to manipulate the airways. Limiting one sided political convictions to be more accepting to the current public policy. I could go on for days with more examples.
It has been said that ignorance is our most expensive commodity. If this is the case, than complacency, is surely next in line. Elected officials should not have to be told they must read the bills they are voting for or against. It is their duty. Those who do not understand this, do not deserve to hold the positions they are serving. This administration pumps more fear through my veins than anything has prior, including Islamic extremism. Most certainly because he seems to have a free reign, and virtually no opposition. Even the conservatives in congress are reluctant to question President Obama and his public policies.
His first television interview (on an Arab network) was very telling on his foreign policy regarding terror. If nothing else, the members of congress should delve into his proposals on Islamic policy with strong speculation. I am sure that there is a plausible conjecture for how the text may read, but what exactly is it. Does anyone even know, including those holding prestigious cabinet positions in his administration? Members elected to congress should, at the very least, be able to pontificate upon the legislature that crosses their desks. It is their job to be a watchdog. It is not only important, it is vital. We have a very inexperienced man holding the highest office in the land. Just as you would not leave a child unattended with a set of Ginsu knives, he can not be left alone to run our government. The three branches of government are a gift. Please use them.
Checks and balances are the very reason that this little experiment called democracy has been a success. Acquiescing to the president would put these very ideals in peril. I don't agree with the president on most issues. But, I have to believe that he believes in a balance of power. After all, it is these very checks and balances that afforded him the honor to the office of the presidency. Me, I'd rather be water boarding.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A Plausible Conjecture For How The Text Might Read
An A++title that I feared would escape me in my sweet dreams. Much to be elaborated upon. Until tomorrow...
Seacrest, Out!
Seacrest, Out!
Government Doesn't "Get It"
Maybe I am naive. Perhaps I just don't understand why anyone in their right (sane) mind would electively choose to have any sort of government agency preform duties that the private sector could easily and readily handle. Government typically is hyper managed, expensive, and typically very slow to reform or act. In the latest "golden parachute" proposal working its way through both houses of congress, the national mall is about to get a spruce up. Don't get me wrong, the mall probably does need to be re-landscaped. I say lets do it! However, the proposed spending for this "pet project" is roughly 1.5 million dollars, to re-sod the park, alone. Seriously, you must be joking, mistaken, or have previously been employed by Mr. Madoff. I am aware of the price of sod. I purchased some last summer. I grossly over ordered (miscalculation of my part) and purchased enough to cover 1/4 acre. My entire bill came to roughly $480.00. The entire area of the national mall is roughly 1 acre. This means, that the sod could probably be purchased for around $2k. Lets say that kentucky blue grass has suddenly become scarce, and has driven the price up exponentially. I am willing to bet that you could re-sod the entire thing for under $20K. Figure in labor costs, and I am willing to bet it could be done for roughly around $30K.
This is the fundamental problem with big government. I guarantee you that if you got quotes from outside agencies and contractors, and hired them to re-furbish the national mall, it would be far more economical, and done in a timely manner. Take the 35W bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis as an example. 35W is the corroted artery of the Minneapolis/St. Paul freeway system. The most pressing issue was time. After all, time IS money! The project was contracted out through the private sector. The winning bid was announced. The company worked on the bridge around the clock. The Minnesota Dept. of Transportation offered a "bonus" for every single day the bridge was completed ahead of schedule. The contractor's saw this as an opportunity and ran with it. They ran so far and so fast, that they finished the bridge roughly three months ahead of schedule, and under budget. A government success story!
Government is not the enemy. We need government. We just need less of it. Bueracracies have become broad reaching, undermining the true sense of smart business. Plain and simple: Too many chef's spoil the soup. Why not "take a chance" on citizens to better their community. I cannot think of a better way to maintain a high level of accountability and responsibility. People take pride in their work. It is in effect, their signature. When someone signs their name to something, they agree with it. They try. They succeed. Unfortunately, this is not true for governmental agencies. These seem to be a safe place to "dance through life" and blame the other guy. Job security and financial consequences are simply not an issue. Call it government oversight. Outsource the work, and success is far more probable. Just outsource to the private sector, and not to India or China, please.
This is the fundamental problem with big government. I guarantee you that if you got quotes from outside agencies and contractors, and hired them to re-furbish the national mall, it would be far more economical, and done in a timely manner. Take the 35W bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis as an example. 35W is the corroted artery of the Minneapolis/St. Paul freeway system. The most pressing issue was time. After all, time IS money! The project was contracted out through the private sector. The winning bid was announced. The company worked on the bridge around the clock. The Minnesota Dept. of Transportation offered a "bonus" for every single day the bridge was completed ahead of schedule. The contractor's saw this as an opportunity and ran with it. They ran so far and so fast, that they finished the bridge roughly three months ahead of schedule, and under budget. A government success story!
Government is not the enemy. We need government. We just need less of it. Bueracracies have become broad reaching, undermining the true sense of smart business. Plain and simple: Too many chef's spoil the soup. Why not "take a chance" on citizens to better their community. I cannot think of a better way to maintain a high level of accountability and responsibility. People take pride in their work. It is in effect, their signature. When someone signs their name to something, they agree with it. They try. They succeed. Unfortunately, this is not true for governmental agencies. These seem to be a safe place to "dance through life" and blame the other guy. Job security and financial consequences are simply not an issue. Call it government oversight. Outsource the work, and success is far more probable. Just outsource to the private sector, and not to India or China, please.
Praying For Abby
Dana sent me an email today regarding this little girl
I see sick little kids all the time. I have become in some ways numb to the sadness that surrounds a child's illness. However, Abby reminded me that it is not "normal" for kids to be sick. Especially with cancer. Abby has a very aggressive form of Leukemia. She also has a rare genetic disorder that magnifies the disease that is wracking her little baby body. Her chances of survival are not great... about 20-30%. However, her family has great hope that she will be healed. She is currently undergoing the most aggressive and difficult part of her treatment plan. I asked Dr. Vicki what this treatment was like, she responded, "awful. dangerous. hell." Please keep Abby in your prayers. I have never met Abby. Dana and her family are close personal friends with the Riggs clan. She speaks of them in the highest regard, calling them inspirational. Keep this sweet girl and her family in your prayers.
Monday, January 26, 2009
A RIDDLE...
One of these kids is doing their own thing...
Hands down... and the answer ~
My most favorite "Blagoism" of the day...
FIrst runner-up...
He hasn't pondered or entertained the thought of going to prison.
*** Somewhere I gathered that this is not the answer to the riddle... aaahhhhh I heart Chicago politics!!
Hands down... and the answer ~
My most favorite "Blagoism" of the day...
FIrst runner-up...
He hasn't pondered or entertained the thought of going to prison.
*** Somewhere I gathered that this is not the answer to the riddle... aaahhhhh I heart Chicago politics!!
Validation.
My possible future candidacy has now officially been validated. Senator Winfrey? Seriously... American (ahem... Chicago) politics (ahemm... Blago) is nothing short of amazing. Back to my regular scheduled programming to catch up on more of his latest. LOVE IT!
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